Question

What are the stages of homeostasis?

Answer 1

Homeostasis is defined as a state of dynamic equilibrium that exists in the body. Homeostasis is maintained through various structures like glands or chemical messengers called hormones. It is a characteristic of a human body system where self-regulating processes maintain the balance for survival. This takes place in the internal environment. The word homeostasis was derived by Bradford, meaning similar.

Complete answer
There are three stages of homeostasis. They are sensing, processing and responding. These stages are managed by the receptor, control center and effector respectively. These stages work in a continuous manner for the maintenance of homeostasis.

Receptor is where sensing is performed. It is the sensing element, which is responsible for the monitoring and responding to the changes in the internal or external environment.

The control center is where processing happens. It is also known as the integration center. It is responsible for receiving and processing information from the receptor.

Effector is a part which is involved in responding to the commands from the control center. It may either enhance or oppose the stimulus.

The following is an example of homeostasis:
Cutaneous receptor of skin
Control center is brain
Effectors are blood glands and sweat glands in the skin

The skin possesses receptors, which are capable of detecting changes in the temperature. If the external temperature drops or rises above the equilibrium, the control center sends signals to the blood vessels and sweat glands to prepare accordingly. If the temperature is very hot, blood vessels dilate and makes a drop in temperature of the body. In addition, sweat glands synthesize sweat for accompanying dilation of blood vessels. In contrast, if the external temperature is very cold, blood vessels constrict and make the body retain heat.

Note:
Breakdown of homeostasis can result in diseases or illness. If severe breakdown happens, it can lead to fatality. Many factors are able to affect homeostasis. They are side effects of medicines, venoms, toxins, mental health, nutrition, diet, physical condition and genetics. Glucose level maintenance is another example of homeostasis. Osmoregulation, solute regulation, and gas regulation are some types of homeostasis.